Historic Preservation Commission

MINUTES CITY OF MINERAL POINT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, January 22, 2025 – 6:30 PM City Hall Community Room CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:31 PM. Matthew Payne (2025-28), Chair Present Alex Ramshur (Council Rep) Present Erik Flesch (2023-26) Present Gary Cisler (2024-27) Present John Spady (2024-27) Present Tim Freeman (2025-28) Absent Mark Hogan (2025-28) Excused Others Present: Matt Honer, City Administrator The City Administrator confirmed compliance with Open Meetings Law. Without objection, discussion of remote access to meetings was added to the agenda at the end of Old Business. CONSIDERATION OF DECEMBER 4, 2025 MINUTES Correction accepted under Cisler’s comments to read “demolition by neglect,” not preservation by neglect. Motion (Cisler/Ramshur) to approve minutes of December 4, 2025. Motion carried (5-0). REPORT FROM THE CHAIR Resource Drive: Payne outlined the structure and purpose of the shared resource drive. Each Commissioner has been provided with a link and/or an invitation to a shared Google Drive, which is designated as “view only.” A list of current documents contained in the drive was shared. It was noted that, although the link is not publicly posted, it will be provided upon request to any member of the public. Payne also noted that links on the City’s website are being updated, with the goal of improving public access and supporting community education. Landmark Designation: Payne explained the legal paperwork for the “local” landmark designation of 306 High Street as approved has been recorded by the Iowa County Clerk. Report to Common Council: Payne reported on HPC activities to the Common Council at its January meeting. A formal written report was submitted prior to the meeting, and an informational report was presented and discussed during the meeting. It was noted that the map of the Historic District was well received, with several Council members indicating they were previously unaware of the full scope of the District. Payne cited the following figures: approximately 80,000 properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places nationwide, including approximately 2,400 in Wisconsin. Mineral Point’s Historic District, originally designated in 1971 and subsequently updated, includes 506 contributing and 421 non-contributing properties. It was further noted that several significant historic properties within the city are neither located within the Historic District nor individually designated as “local” landmarks. While acknowledging that individual perceptions cannot be fully controlled, the Chair emphasized that the Commission can strengthen its procedures and communication practices to build public trust and improve understanding. The Chair referenced ideas gathered from a recent conference and suggested that the Commission consider increasing community visibility, potentially including a public forum to explain the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process. It was also noted that no property owner within the Historic District should feel excluded or characterized as more or less “key” than others. Chapter 151 Review/Revision Committee: Payne appointed Commissioners Payne, Ramshur, and Spady to serve on the Chapter 151 Review/Revision Committee, with instructions to report back to the Commission by the March meeting. It was noted that the City is nearing completion of a full ordinance revision. The Committee was directed that it may begin its work from scratch, identify and incorporate all legally required provisions, and organize the ordinance in a clear and logical structure. Historic Preservation Commission Page 1 of 3 DRAFT Minutes 01/22/2026 Social Media: The Commission discussed the possibility of creating a dedicated HPC Facebook page and determined that it does not wish to establish one. Several advantages and disadvantages were considered, and it was concluded that the City’s existing Facebook page is sufficient for communication purposes. Further discussion clarified the HPC’s practice will be to share only neutral, publicly available informational content intended to raise awareness and educate community members. Commissioners were instructed to submit any proposed social media posts to the City Administrator, who has the authority to determine whether the content will be posted. CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATIONS 2026-COA01 – 263 HIGH ST - REQUEST BY CONTRACTOR ON BEHALF OF JULIAN KERBIS Payne noted Application 2026-COA01 for 263 High Street was received after the meeting packet was published and was therefore not listed on the agenda. There was no objection to its consideration. He reported that the property owners were out of the country and that their contractor was unable to attend the meeting. He stated that the information provided was adequate and that the Commission was familiar with the property from a previously approved COA application. It was noted that the proposed exterior ductwork would be located in a low-visibility area at the rear of the building. The contractor’s solid reputation was acknowledged. While the installation is not visually consistent with the historic character, it was noted that the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards allow for “limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical systems.” Motion (Spady/Cisler) to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for 2026-COA01 263 High Street for exterior ductwork as presented. Motion carried (5-0). No applications were considered by the two-person committee during this period. Cisler and Ramshur were thanked for their service on the committee from October 2025 to January 2026. Commissioners Cisler and Flesch were appointed to serve on the two-person committee from February 2026 to April 2026, with no objection. CONSIDERATION OF REVISED DRAFT – CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATION The revised draft application from the October 2025 meeting, which had been deferred at the December 2025 meeting, was reviewed. It was noted that future packets will include the application along with two supplemental information pages. The revision was described as a significant improvement and would be implemented on a trial basis, with adjustments to be made as needed. One change was accepted without objection: the insertion of language from §151.03(C)(2)(c), stating that “the Commission shall require complete and clear drawings and specifications of the work to be accomplished to be furnished by the applicant.” It was noted that the role of the HPC is not limited to approving or denying applications, but also includes providing guidance, reflecting the specific skills and experience required of Commission members. Motion (Ramshur/Flesch) to adopt the revised draft Certificate of Appropriateness with added §151 language as presented. Motion carried (5-0). CONSIDERATION OF QUOTES FOR INTENSIVE SURVEY CONSULTANTS [§151.03(C)(7)(D)] Quotes were received for conducting an Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey through the Certified Local Government Subgrant Program administered by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Proposals were submitted by McGuire, Igleski & Associates, Inc. of Evanston, Illinois, and Legacy Architecture, Inc. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Phase 1 (2026–27) proposals were considered. Phase 2 is anticipated for 2027–28 and would involve updating National Register of Historic Places properties in Mineral Point. Discussion emphasized the importance of considering the total cost of both phases. It was noted that Legacy’s proposal provided more detailed materials than MIA’s submission. Payne reported that he shared information about the upcoming survey process at the most recent Bicentennial Committee meeting and noted that public outreach could help raise awareness of the Commission’s work. Historic Preservation Commission Page 2 of 3 DRAFT Minutes 01/22/2026 Motion (Ramshur/Flesch) to recommend approval of the Phase 1 proposal from Legacy Architecture, Inc. to the City Council. Motion carried (5-0). It was noted the proposal includes public education meetings, which the Commission can be a part of. CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS ($75) Payne explained that membership in the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) provides access to an active national listserv and professional resources. He noted that the Commission does not have budgeted funding for membership this year and would work with the City to secure funding. Motion (Spady/Ramshur) to become a member of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions pending funding. Motion carried (5-0). A brief discussion followed regarding the Commission’s authority to raise funds under Chapter 151. It was noted that such funds must be used for landmark preservation purposes and are maintained in a separate City account Without objection, Item 10. Discuss properties warranting Notice of Violation [§151.06] was deferred to the next meeting. DISCUSSION OF REMOTE MEETINGS The Commission discussed remote access to meetings for Commissioners and the public. Reference was made to a Wisconsin Attorney General Open Meetings memorandum noting that “remote access can present challenges when complex plans, drawings, or charts are involved.” It was noted that while the Common Council has remote access, other City committees generally do not. In-person attendance was identified as preferable due to technical and staffing limitations. Parliamentary procedure favors in-person meetings but allows remote participation in limited circumstances, such as to establish a quorum. The Commission agreed to continue its current practice of not providing remote access. CONTINUING EDUCATION Payne reviewed upcoming continuing education opportunities and encouraged members who had not yet completed the Wisconsin Historical Society Historic Preservation Commission training to do so. NEXT MEETING: February 26, 2026, Community Room of City Hall. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no objection and having reached the agenda item, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Page 3 of 3 DRAFT Minutes 01/22/2026